Last Updated on January 13, 2022 by admins
If you have fish, it is important to know how to remove ammonia from aquarium water. Ammonia can cause several problems for fish and even potentially be deadly. It is vital for the health of your fish that you know how to maintain it.
Ammonia naturally occurs in fish tanks, however, it is important to maintain it. Though natural, it can wreak havoc in your aquarium. Fortunately, there are several ways you can remove it from your aquarium.
What Causes Ammonia In Fish Tanks?
Ammonia, also known as NH3, is an invisible chemical that is highly toxic to your fish. Despite it being problematic, it will occur naturally in your aquarium.
In a healthy aquarium, nature will take care of ammonia. Good bacteria will work to change the ammonia into nitrites and nitrates. Though high levels of nitrites and nitrates can be problematic to fish, normal levels are much safer for your fish than ammonia.
There are many things within your fish tank that can produce ammonia. They include leftover fish food, fish waste, decaying plants, decaying algae, dirty filters, and even fish breathing.
As the waste in your fish tank breaks down, it produces ammonia. The good bacteria, Nitrosomonas, in the fish tank then break down the ammonia, turning it into nitrites. Nitrobacter, another type of bacteria, then eats the nitrites and creates nitrates.
However, when the balance in your aquarium is off, the ammonia doesn’t always get broken down. If the ammonia remains in the tank it can affect fish growth, gill condition, and organ weight. In some cases, it can even kill fish.
Fortunately, you can buy kits to test the ammonia in your tank. The ammonia level in your aquarium should always be at zero.
Find more information about Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Ammonia Test Chart
How To Reduce Ammonia In An Aquarium
Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce ammonia in your aquarium. Not only do these steps help reduce ammonia, but they also help create a healthy environment in your fish tank. This is essential to the well-being of your fish.
Removing ammonia from an aquarium is a necessity. There are many ways to reduce and remove ammonia in your fish tank. This creates a healthy environment where your fish can strive.
Add Live Plants
Live plants are beneficial to your aquarium in many ways. Plants will use ammonia as fertilizer for growth and in return produce oxygen which is beneficial. In addition, fish also enjoy hiding in plants.
Though live plants are a great addition to your tank, be sure to remove and decaying or dead plants. As the plants decay and turn into waste, they produce ammonia.
Regularly Replace The Water
It is important to regularly replace the water in your aquarium. If you are struggling with ammonia in your tank, do a 50% water change.
Be sure to be careful if using tap water, as it can contain high levels of nitrates and nitrites. In some cases, it can be best to avoid tap water. If you do use it, be certain to test the water to make sure it is safe and let it sit for several days before adding.
Clean The Filter and Makes Sure It Is Properly Working
A clean and properly working filter is vital to a fish tank. A properly working filter will allow good bacteria to thrive while getting rid of the bad stuff. This will help break down the ammonia in your fish tank.
Avoid Over-Feeding
Over-feeding can cause all sorts of problems. As the leftover food breaks down, it produces ammonia.
When there is too much food, excessive amounts of ammonia are produced. The good bacteria will not be able to keep up with the high amount of ammonia.
Learn more about: What Makes Aquarium Water Cloudy?
Don’t Have Too Many Fish
When you overcrowd your tank with fish, the environment becomes overwhelmed and won’t be able to keep up. Too many fish cause too much waste. As the waste breaks down, it leads to excessive amounts of ammonia that overwhelm the good bacteria.
Vacuum Your Gravel
Vacuuming your gravel is a great way to keep your tank healthy. By vacuuming your gravel, you are removing fish waste and leftover food that gets stuck in between the rocks.
Adding a bottom feeder to your tank is another great option. They work to clean up any leftover food bits that make their way to the bottom of your fish tank.
Add Water Conditioner
Water conditioner works to make ammonia harmless. It is sold at most pet stores and is an easy way to lower ammonia in your fish tank. It works to bind the ammonia, giving the bacteria a chance to catch up and do their job.
Use Ammonia Removing Pellets
Ammonia removing pellets is another easy and effective way to remove ammonia in your aquarium. Almost all pet stores will sell ammonia removing pellets.
The pellets can be added to your filter and work to eliminate ammonia. In addition, they also remove other impurities in the water that can be problematic.
How To Remove Ammonia From Aquarium Water
High ammonia levels in an aquarium can be potentially deadly to your fish. Though it is natural, it can lead to all sorts of trouble. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce and remove ammonia from your fish tank.
An unclean tank, a malfunctioning filter, over-feeding, over-population, decaying algae, and decaying plants can all produce ammonia. In order to prevent this, add live plants, clean your tank and filter, avoid over-cleaning and over-feeding. To reduce the levels, add water conditioning, ammonia reducing pellets, vacuum your gravel and replace the water.
It is always a good idea to test your aquarium water regularly for ammonia. This will help ensure you provide a safe and healthy environment for your fish. In a healthy aquarium, nature will work to eliminate ammonia, turning it into nitrites and nitrates.
Do you have any questions regarding how to remove ammonia from aquarium water? If so, please ask any questions regarding ammonia and how to reduce and remove it from your fish tank.
